Postdoctoral Research Fellow

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• Salary Package: From $109,272 (Level A - PhD awarded rate) p.a., plus 17% employer's superannuation and annual leave loading
• Appointment Type: Full-time, fixed term position for 14 months
• Location: Macquarie University (North Ryde)

We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow with a background in neurosciences and/or neurodegenerative diseases, preferably including motor neuron disease (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS). The Neurodegenerative Disease Treatment Team, located within the MND Research Centre at Macquarie University, conducts research investigating novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as motor neuron disease, particularly through the use of zebrafish, rodent and cell culture models of the disease.

You will be involved in the design, execution and analysis of studies investigating the mechanisms and potential treatment of motor neuron disease. You will perform and oversee work relating to the development and use of transgenic zebrafish models of MND, through use of your strong molecular biology skills. You will use a range of techniques including Western blotting, proteomic approaches, confocal microscopy, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and drug treatment studies to achieve your research goals. The study may also involve cell culture research studies. Successful candidates will perform their own data analysis and contribute to the preparation of scholarly publications.

You will be a talented and organised researcher who takes initiative when completing research project tasks and is driven by a desire to contribute and solve problems. You will enjoy working both independently and as part of a cooperative and integrative team. You will have excellent accuracy and quality when completing tasks. You will also have knowledge of and be competent in the MS Office Suite, data management and statistical analysis packages.

The MND research Centre (>70 staff working on MND) is well integrated into the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Sciences, has established state-of-the-art research facilities and offers outstanding development options including an active Early Career Researcher support network (EnCouRage).

The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences has active research programs in biomedical, translational and health services domains, with current areas of strength including neurosciences (especially motor neuron disease, neurological rehabilitation, and the clinical neuroscience of pain), cancer medicine, and vascular science, amongst others. The Faculty hosts the Australian Institute of Health Innovation, an internationally acclaimed powerhouse researching health systems, e-health, and patient safety. In learning and teaching, the Faculty offers a unique suite of capability-based medical educational programs aimed at a post-graduation subspecialty medical education and training, and a unique three-year extended masters-level, professional-entry Doctor of Physiotherapy degree.

Macquarie is engaged with the real and often complex problems and opportunities that define our lives. Celebrating its 60th year in 2024, it was established as a bold experiment in higher education and designed to break from educational traditions to work in tandem with industry. Institutionally we strive for the extraordinary by challenging convention and embracing different views. Our pioneering culture has encouraged and inspired students, staff and collaborators to break free from conventional thinking, and to actively shape the complex issues that define the future of humanity.

At Macquarie, we believe in the power of collaboration — the strength of individuals working together to make a greater impact.

To be considered for this position applicants are asked to provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria below and attach their curriculum vitae (including contact information for 2-3 references) as part of the application process.

• PhD in medical science or related disciplines and experience conducting research.
• Strong background in neuroscience mechanisms such as mitochondrial function and metabolism, with a desire to solve problems relating to neurodegenerative diseases.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular biology techniques including DNA cloning, DNA construct assembly, gene editing technology such as CRISPR/Cas9, PCR, gel electrophoresis, in vitro mRNA production and performing western blots is required.
• Experience in using zebrafish models, including embryo injection, protein lysate preparation, behavioural assessment and general fish husbandry is required.
• Experience in using cell culture models, microscopy (including confocal), is required.
• Demonstrated record of contributions to research projects including planning and conducting experiments, preparation and analysis of research data, writing manuscripts and delivering presentations at conferences and meetings.
• Project management skills including the ability to prioritise different work demands.
• Ability to liaise effectively with different stakeholder groups (including Faculty Administrators, Faculty Laboratory operations team, Staff and students).
• Ability to apply theoretical and experimental knowledge to modify, adapt and implement changes to existing techniques.

Specific Role Enquiries: Associate Professor Angela Laird at angela.laird@mq.edu.au

Note: This position is subject to Macquarie University's pre-employment screening requirements, including the successful completion of an academic qualification check.

Note: This position is open to international applicants.

Applications Close: Sunday 5 October 2025 at 11:59 p.m. (AEST)

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to progress or decline an application prior to the application closing date.

A Place Where You Belong

At Macquarie, we believe diversity makes us stronger, inclusion drives our success, and belonging inspires us to do our best work. We are proud to foster a community where different backgrounds, identities, and experiences are valued, and where our people are empowered to thrive through supportive leadership, shared responsibility, and a deep commitment to genuine care and respect for our community. Find out more about our vision for a truly inclusive workplace in our Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Framework.

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At Macquarie, we believe by providing flexibility in when, where and how work is done, we can support our staff to manage their personal commitments, while optimising their work performance and contributions to the University. See how we lead in flexible work to enable an outcome focused and inclusive workplace. To learn more about our culture and hiring process, visit our Jobs at Macquarie page.